On August 9, 1954, after much investigation and discussion, the first meeting to form a fire department was held at the Newbury town hall.  The participants included Township Trustees, American Legion members, and interested community residents.  On August 18, 1954, thirty-eight men signed the Articles of Incorporation, thus creating the Newbury Volunteer Fire Department Inc.  After formation of the corporation, the difficult task of creating an effective fire fighting unit had begun.

    The fire department's first purchase was a $3,800 six-by-six pumper.  The department received from the township $250 per year plus $30 per call.  In 1958, that was changed to $2,000 per year instead of a per call basis.

    In 1955, the new fire station was completed.  The fire fighting fleet was improved with additions of a 1,350 gallon six-by-four tanker with a cost of $1,300 and a Willy's Jeep pickup with a cost of $370.

    In 1956, after fire training was established, the members of the fire department decided it was time to expand their services to the community.  The accomplished this feat by going into the rescue service as well as firefighting.  A resuscitator was donated by the Ladies' Auxiliary (The Flames) to be used for heart attack victims and cases of breathing difficulties.  Until the purchase of a heavy rescue, the firefighters transported this piece of equipment to the scene in their personal vehicle or in their grass unit.

    In 1957, communications were improved by the purchase of a two-way car radio.  This greatly improved the communications difficulty that was experienced until that time.

    In 1961, growing pains were starting to be felt at the small fire station.  With each new piece of equipment, and storage space becoming almost non-existent, the members decided it was time to expand.  Three large equipment bays and a kitchen were constructed, most of which was done by volunteer labor.

    In 1970, a new fire contract was signed with the township trustees.  It was a $7,600 contract with a rider clause calling for $40 for each call after 75 calls.

    In 1974, the fire department purchased their first rescue squad with a cost of $18,000.

    In 1975, the Newbury Volunteer Fire Department became the first fire department in Geauga County to have certified paramedics.

    In 1977, with the assistance of federal funds, a paging system was purchased.  With pagers for all firefighters and a base radio station, communications greatly improved on receiving alarms.  The members, with their own money, also purchased a CB base station to help improve communications between the fire station and the individual vehicles, without "cluttering-up" the new fire band.

    In 1988, plans for a new, larger, fire station were under way.

    In 1990, the fire department moved into their new and present location on Rt. 87 East of Auburn Rd.

    Today, the Newbury Volunteer Fire Department runs on a yearly budget of $280,000 with 31 members, operating nine pieces of equipment.